Xi casts China as the world’s stable power: what does this mean for the international order?

World Cup fever builds with Canada hoping for a tourism legacy

With just days until kick-off, we look at how Canada is hoping to build a World Cup tourism legacy. Then: we speak to the Ukrainian NGO Superhumans, which helps injured soldiers and civilians. And: our weekly quiz with Rob Bound. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Hezbollah rejects new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as US House seeks to stop war in Iran

Hezbollah rejects a new Israel-Lebanon ceasefire as the US House seeks to stop the Iran war in a vote called ‘unpatriotic’ by Donald Trump. Plus: Albanians take to the streets in anger at plans for a new luxury resort. And: what strange items do Uber customers leave in its vehicles? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Ukraine bombs St Petersburg as Russia prepares to host Putin’s ‘Davos’

Ukraine targets St Petersburg ahead of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s key economic forum. Then: UK police apologise for handcuffing a dying teenager as PM Keir Starmer condemns angry rioters. Plus: what do the US primaries tell us about what to expect in the mid-terms? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Are strikes against civilians ‘the new paradigm’ in the Ukraine war?

Massive Russian strikes against Ukrainian cities stoke fears that civilian targets will be the new normal. Then: AI fates diverge as some giants plan blockbuster IPOs and others battle lawsuits. Plus: is creativity coming back to Hollywood with ‘Obsession’ and ‘Backrooms’? See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Netanyahu orders fresh strikes in southern Beirut as Washington tables a new Israel-Lebanon peace plan

As civilians in southern Beirut prepare to leave, we consider the potential effects of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Then: is Europe getting tougher on Russia’s shadow fleet? Plus: why are French and British football fans celebrating by rioting? And: would you fall for a holiday gimmick?  See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.